Apparatus and system for synchronized application of one or more materials to a surface from a vehicle and control of a vehicle mounted variable positions snow removal device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and system, preferably mounted on a service vehicle, provides synchronized application of fluid materials, either solid or liquid, to a vehicle travel surface in proportional amounts or spatially distributed proportions in response to user defined requirements and/or operation of a vehicle mounted component in response to conditions encountered in real time. A first embodiment is a vehicle mounted apparatus and system for coordinated application of a plurality of materials to a surface simultaneously and in desired proportions and/or widths automatically and/or selectively. A second embodiment includes a granular material distribution device and includes a plurality of liquid spray headers and pumping, means. A third embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle mounted apparatus and system for automated coordinated application of a plurality of materials to a surface as well as automated component control such as blade blocking plate control based on sensed current surface condition information and current accurate location information as well as past operating history and predicted near term weather conditions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/783,556, filed Jan. 14, 1997, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 08/660,232, filed Jun. 7, 1996 and now U.S. Pat.No. 5,619,193. This application also claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/020,237, filed Jun. 21, 1996and 60/031,036, filed Nov. 18, 1996.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to surface conditioning vehicles suchas those carrying material spreaders and/or snow removal devices, andmore particularly relates to a new and improved apparatus forsynchronized material spreading which indexes certain characteristics ofa material delivery system such as the spread width of at least a secondmaterial in response to a change in the width of spread of a first, ortriggering, material and automated control of surface conditioningequipment based on actual surface conditions.

2. Description of the Related Art

Surface conditioning vehicles include material spreaders that are usedin many applications. For example, they may be used to provide pesticideand fertilizer spreaders in agricultural applications, as well asvehicles for the control of ice and snow on roadways and may includesnow plows, blowers, and material spreaders, alone or in combination. Ineither of these general applications, often it is desirable to spreadmore than one material simultaneously in either a synchronous orasynchronous manner in either a predetermined ratio or in randomproportions to a surface.

The materials to be applied to a surface can be all liquids, all solids,or combinations thereof. Generally, these materials can be referred tomaterials A & B. The widths of the plurality of materials are manuallycontrolled independently such that the user must decrease or increasethe spread-width for each material separately.

For example, in a pre-wetting arrangement, both liquid and granularmaterials are typically dispersed by a common device such as a spinnerdisk. In this example, the quantity of liquid is small compared to theamount of granular material. Because of material characteristics, suchas density, viscosity, granularity, and flowability, and desireddriveability results it is sometimes advantageous to have a separatedelivery system for each material. This liquid and granular combinationalso helps control the bounce and scatter of the granular materials.

In spreading materials on roadways and runways for the control of iceand snow, oftentimes both granular and liquid material are desired to bespread simultaneously. In many instances, each material has its owndelivery system. The operator sets the spread-width of the granularmaterial and the spread-width of the liquid material independently ofone another. In the event the width of the road changes, or the operatorchanges the width of spread for any of a variety of reasons, such asallowing a vehicle to pass, the operator must separately act to reducethe spread-width of the granular material and the spread-width of theliquid material.

The problem with the conventional material spreading systems resides inthe difficulty in accurately adjusting the spread-width of eachmaterial, in addition to the time and attention it takes for theoperator to modify the spread-width while driving the vehicle.

A similar problem exists for operators of surface conditioning vehicleswhich include snow plows and snow blowers, especially in residentialareas. During heavy snow conditions, the conventional plows push thesnow aside to one side or the other and thus can create a substantialpile of snow in front of driveways. This pile is often compacted anddifficult to remove. A recent solution to this problem has been to equipthe vehicle with at least one hydraulically actuated discharge blockingplate on at least one of the ends of the snow blade. The vehicleoperator may raise and lower these plates to close off the bladedischarge path as the plow passes driveways or other features where snowdischarge is undesirable. The drawback of this arrangement is that thesystem is manually controlled and thus requires constant operatorvigilance and action to lower and raise the blocking plates.

It is against this background that the significant improvements andadvancement of the present invention have taken place in the field ofsurface conditioning vehicles, and particularly material spreaders andsnow removal controls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises an apparatus mounted on a servicevehicle for synchronized application of fluid materials, either solid orliquid, to a surface such as a runway or roadway in proportional amountsor spatially distributed proportions in response to user definedrequirements and/or operation of a vehicle mounted component in responseto conditions encountered in real time.

A first embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle mountedapparatus and system for coordinated application of a plurality ofmaterials to a surface simultaneously and in desired proportions and/orwidths automatically and/or selectively.

A second embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle mountedapparatus and system for coordinated application of a plurality ofmaterials to a surface simultaneously and in desired proportions and/orwidths automatically and/or selectively. The apparatus includes agranular material distribution device and includes a plurality of liquidspray headers and pumping means.

A third embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle mountedapparatus and system for automated coordinated application of aplurality of materials to a surface as well as automated componentcontrol such as blade blocking plate control based on sensed currentsurface condition information and current accurate location information,preferably in conjunction with learned weather and surface conditions.

The first embodiment of the present invention comprises a vehiclemounted apparatus for dispensing one or more materials to a surface suchas a roadway. The apparatus includes a control box and distributionmeans for coordinated dispensing one or more fluid materials (the slavematerial) in response to the dispensing rate or pattern of another fluidmaterial (the triggering material). The fluid materials may be solidssuch as sand or salt granules or liquids of various types. The apparatuspreferably includes a liquid supply tank, pump, and application sprayheader and a solid fluid material storage container or hopper, auger,and distribution means such as a spinner disk, and a control boxoperably connected to the pump and spray header, the spinner disk, andthe auger motor.

The second embodiment of the present invention is similar to the firstexcept that the system further includes a second spray bar forpre-wetting the granular material prior to the granular material beingdispensed.

The third embodiment of the present invention incorporates an on boardsystem for sensing and analyzing actual road surface conditions at thevehicle location and utilizes an on board computer and database toselectively manually or automatically control the application ofspreader materials and/or certain operations of a vehicle preferablyequipped with a snow plow or blower. The third embodiment includesGlobal Positioning System receivers and computer controlled reportingcapabilities to update other mobile or stationary stations as well aspermit the on board computer to receive current and store historicalenvironmental condition data in a Geographical Information System formatin order to automatically adjust material application compositions andrates to optimally condition the road surface and control snow plow orblower configurations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a spreader vehicle incorporating thesynchronized-width material spreader in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear-end view of a second embodiment of a vehicle includingthe synchronized-width material spreader of the present invention,illustrating a granular hopper, liquid storage tanks, spreader disk, andtwo liquid spray bars, one for pre-wetting and one for directapplication.

FIG. 3 is a first embodiment of a control box for use in controlling thesynchronized-width material spreader in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 is a second embodiment of a control box for controlling theoperation of the synchronized-width material spreader in accordance withthe invention.

FIG. 5 is a third embodiment of a control box for use in operating thesynchronized-width material spreader.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representing the operation of thesynchronized-width material spreader, and illustrates an increase in thewidth of material spread using the synchronized-width material spreaderof the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of the operation of the synchronized-widthmaterial spreader illustrating a decrease in the width of materialspread.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of the hydraulic, electrical and material flowsystem utilized in operation of the synchronized-width materialspreader.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a remote sensing system incorporated intoan automatic control system in a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the automatic control system for thematerial spreader in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of an adjustable snowplow assembly on aroad service vehicle in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of the snowplow assembly shown in FIG.11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a snow plow vehicle 40 incorporating thesynchronized-width material spreader system 42 in accordance with afirst embodiment of the present invention is shown. The snow plowvehicle 40 includes a system for storing and spreading granularmaterial, as well as a system for storing and spreading liquid material.While the vehicle could include multiple systems for storing anddispensing several individual types of fluid materials, for the purposesof clarity, the description herein is based on a vehicle having thecapability of storing and dispensing only two different materials. Inthis particular example, there is one granular fluid material and oneliquid fluid material. It is to be understood that there may be morethan two materials as well as any combination of granular and/or liquidmaterials.

Further, the synchronized-width material spreader of the presentinvention as described in this specification is used in the environmentof controlling snow and ice on roadways for descriptive purposes only.The invention is applicable to many different uses, such as for cropfertilizing, ground conditioning during road construction, etc. It is tobe understood that the synchronized spreader may equally well beutilized for these and other purposes where the distribution of two ormore similar or dissimilar materials is desired.

The granular material 44 is typically dispensed from the truck 40 by useof a spinning disk 46, but may also be dispensed by other means such asgravity or air pressure. The granular material 44 is typically agranular chemical or abrasive material. The granular material 44 storedin the hopper 48 is conveyed, such as by an auger 50 to a chute 52 atthe rear of the truck through which it falls into contact with thespinning spreader disk 46. In this example, the spreader disk 46 spinsabout its center generally vertical axis and imparts a tangential forceto the granular material as it falls onto the disk. The granularmaterial is spread or spewn over a path width, which is determined inpart by the speed of rotation of the spreader disk 46, and many otherparameters, such as density of the material.

Rotation of the spreader disk 46 may be caused by any of a variety ofmeans, including an electric motor, air pressure, or hydraulic pressure.Other dispensing mechanisms may also be used in place of the spreaderdisk 46. For example, two rotating belts that trap the material andsling it out behind the truck could also be used. Alternatively, thematerial could be propelled from the storage hopper or container outthrough an orifice via air pressure or through venturi action, forexample. Any of such dispensing mechanisms may be used in the presentinvention.

The width of spread of the granular material 44, or liquid material 57,is measured in a direction transverse to the length of the vehicle 40,and is typically analogous to the width dimension of a road, upon whichthe vehicle 40 travels. For instance, in FIG. 2, the spreader disk 46may deliver granular material in a path having an arc width equal to thewidth of the vehicle 40. The material can also be projected rearwardly(to facilitate a lower or zero-velocity impact with the ground),forwardly, or at any angle from the truck.

The liquid dispensing system utilized in the present invention maycomprise a liquid storage vessel 54 positioned on the vehicle 40 behindthe cab of the vehicle, in front of the hopper 48, as shown in FIG. 1.Alternatively, the liquid storage vessel 54 may essentially bebifurcated and positioned along the length of the vehicle on the outersides of the granular hopper, as is shown in FIG. 2. Many other liquidtank positions could be utilized or the tanks could form part of thestructural portion of the granular hopper 48 or a structural portion ofthe vehicle 40.

A spray bar 56 preferably extends laterally at the rear end of thevehicle 40 and is generally adjacent to the spreader disk 46, as isshown in FIG. 1. The spray bar 56 may also be formed by a vertical stackof smaller spray bars and nozzles. The spray bar 56 preferably may haveside shooting extensions 60 and 62 attached at its opposite ends toallow liquid 57 to be sprayed at a greater width through the spray bar.The liquid spray 56 bar position may also be locally or remotelyvariable so that it may extend at any angle from the truck, to createany number of orientations. For example, the spray bar may be verticallyoriented for spraying roadside vegetation or shoulder areas. FIGS. 1 and2 illustrate a typical preferred transverse spray bar position for aflat road surface.

Liquid is preferably conveyed from the liquid storage vessel 54 to thespray bar 56 through conventional piping by means such as a positivedisplacement or centrifugal liquid pump which pumps the liquid materialfrom the storage vessel to the spray bar, or by pressure means such asselectively pressurizing the liquid storage vessel itself, or by gravityfeed, which would force the liquid through the piping to the spray bar56.

In the preferred example illustrated in FIG. 2, the spray bar has acenter portion 58 and two preferably remotely movable side sprayingportions 60, 62. The spray bar 56 is essentially a tube which hasnozzles or apertures 64 formed therein to allow the liquid flowingthrough the spray bar 56 to spray onto the road surface. The sidespraying extensions 60, 62 are preferably rotatably attached at eitherend of the spray bar central portion 58 and are in fluid communicationwith the center portion 58 of the spray bar 56 in all positions when asingle central pump is utilized. When separate pumps are utilized, thecentral portion 58 need not be in fluid communication with the endportions 60 and 62.

A series of remotely operable baffles or valves such as solenoid valvesare positioned within the spray bar 56 adjacent to or as part of eachnozzle 64 to facilitate changing the width of spray emanating from thespray bar 56. The width of spray can be controlled by either theoperator or by automated control. The valves or flow restrictors such asbaffles can optionally be placed at discreet positions along the lengthof the spray bar 56, and include positions in the left or right endportions 60, 62 of the spray bar 56. The valves, flow restrictors orbaffles or other flow control devices could also be made to operablymove along the length of the liquid spray bar 56 to provide virtuallyinfinite width control.

The spread distance or spray path width of the liquid dispensing systemfor a given type of material depends upon the orientation of spray barand/or nozzles, and both the pressure at which the liquid is forcedthrough the pipe system and into the spray bar 56, and the selectiveactivation of the valves or baffles found on or inside the spray bar 56.Typically the spray bar 56 receives fluid from the center pipingconnection such that any width control mechanism is necessarilypositioned along the length of the spray bar relative to the location ofthe connection between the piping system and the spray bar.

The liquid can alternatively also be spread by means of a rotating disk(not shown), in which case the spray bar or set of spray bars arereplaced with at least one rotating nozzle disk or set of disks, and thespread width of the liquid thus depends on the disk orientation andplacement and speed of the rotating disk in an analogous fashion to therotating disk 46 used with the granular material as well as thedischarge pressure and orifice size. Other means of spreading the liquidmaterial may also be utilized such as through a selectable set ofvariable orifice discharge nozzles and/or flow control valves mounted onthe truck.

For ease of description in this specification, the center of thespread-width for the granular material 44 and the center of thespread-width for the liquid material 57 are positioned co-extensivelywith one another at the rear of the vehicle 40.

In general, the synchronized-width material spreader works, eithermanually or optionally automatically, to control the spread-width anddirection of the second or nth material based on the change ofspread-width of the trigger or first material. For instance, if thetrigger or first material is the granular material 44 being spread at apredetermined rate, when the spread-width of the granular materialincreases by 50%, the synchronized-width material spreader systemautomatically increases the spread-width of the liquid material 57 by apredetermined percentage, in this example, 50%, to match the increasedspread-width of the granular material 44. Likewise, if the granularmaterial 44 decreases in spread-width by 50%, the synchronized-widthmaterial spreader system automatically decreases the spread-width of theliquid material 57 by 50%.

A user selectable pre-set ratio selected from a range of ratios can alsobe maintained. For instance, if the liquid material spread width isselected to be two-thirds (66%) of the granular material spread width,then when the trigger material spread width is changed, either increasedor decreased, the spread width of the other, or "slave" material is alsochanced to maintain the pre-selected ratio.

Also, a sliding scale or trigger/slave distribution arrangement based ona mathematical relationship may be used, e.g. based on certaincharacteristics of the multiple materials may be deployed such as, iftrigger material spread width is "x" feet, then slave material would be"y" -- for example 50% of x feet. This configuration may be desirable tocompensate for differences in particle sizes, density, liquid viscosity,atomization particle sizes, bounce, etc. Therefore, as the trigger widthchanges from minimum to maximum, the slave material width, due to abovementioned characteristics could be varied, say, from 40% to 70% oftrigger material spread-width. As another example, if the sliding scaleratio is 0.33, and the granular material spread width is increased by 6feet, the liquid material is increased by only 2 feet (33%). Likewise,if the granular material spread width is decreased by 3 feet, the liquidmaterial spread width is likewise decreased by 1 foot (33%). Thiscapability is particularly useful where the trigger material may haveone particle size and the slave may have a different particle size ormass, resulting in different roadway bouncing characteristics betweenthe two materials, in order to have a desired uniform or non-uniformpattern of deposition on the roadway surface. This capability may alsobe advantageously employed when particle weight, particle size, density,liquid viscosity, atomization sizing, etc. behave differently, yieldingother than uniform distributions when direct proportioning is utilized.

Such a sliding scale can also be implemented, whereby the change of theslave or following material (liquid in example above) is only increasedor decreased a set percentage or fraction of the change in the triggeror primary material (granular material in example above). Again, theratio of slinging, propelling force could also change if the trigger wasbeing sent, for example, 10 ft verses 50 ft. to achieve the same result.The change in material distribution may also be based on vehiclelocation, etc. For instance, the material distribution may be differentfor steep hills than on flat level roadway surfaces.

Using this inventive proportioning system of the invention, the operatorcan simply control, for example, the spread-width of each of thedifferent materials being dispensed onto the road surface by controllingone trigger material or by having the width of the first materialautomatically changed based on vehicle location. Consequently, theoperator need only actuate the width control system for the triggermaterial, and the operator does not have to separately and independentlycontrol the spread-width of the second or additional or nth materialunless special circumstances warrant such control as it willautomatically follow the trigger in accordance with the preset orpreprogrammed proportions.

The synchronized-width material spreader apparatus is beneficial in manycircumstances, such as where the roadway narrows, and the width ofspread of the various materials must be adjusted to a chosen value foran extended period of time, and also where the width of spread need onlybe temporarily adjusted, such as where at least a second vehicle orobstacle passes relatively alongside the spreader vehicle 40.

For instance, automated control could be triggered by a stationarysignal device adjacent to, in or on the roadway as part of anIntelligent Transportation System (ITS). Additionally, by use ofGeographic Information System (GIS) data in conjunction with GlobalPositioning System (GPS) data, the precise vehicle location may beautomatically determined and automated control initiated. The particularratio, or scaling, between the spread widths can also be maintained, asdescribed below.

A preferred methodology involves a control system having amicroprocessor and associated software that can control the materialspreader to distribute both materials in such a fashion that awidth-change in one material is driven by and/or sensed by themicroprocessor, which then initiates a change in the drive mechanism forthe width of the other, or second material (more than two materialscould be controlled) so that the proportioning or width of bothmaterials is synchronized and/or adjusted even though the materialsleave their separate and distinct launching and/or propelling devicesand travel through the air before landing on the road surface.

Other methods for coordinating a change in the width of one materialwith a like or predetermined (such as for scaling or ratios) change inthe width of a second or nth material might include, singularly or inany combination, the following:

1. The synchronization/coordination in width of spread could beaccomplished with electrical control devices such as relays or solidstate switches in such a fashion that a change in one relay conditionedwith the triggering material would initiate a change in a differentrelay coordinated with the second, or nth material that would increaseor decrease the width of spread of the second or nth material byaffecting the propelling means of the other second material ormaterials.

2. The change in the width of the second material could be implementedthrough the use of hydraulically actuated devices since the spreaderdisk, for example is typically operated by a hydraulic motor. Thecontrol hydraulic pressure in the trigger material delivery system couldbe sensed or utilized by the control system to thereby control, i.e.effect a change in the width of spread of the other material.

3. Optionally, the change of width could be accomplished with pneumaticair power in a manner similar to 2 above.

If only one material is being dispensed from the vehicle 40, obviouslythere would be no need for width coordination for the other materials.However, control of the application width is still very desirable inmany circumstances. The application width of the one material may becontrolled manually via the control box 70 or automatically in responseto ITS sensor or GPS signals or other sensory devices placed in, on, ornear the roadway in order to optimally distribute the material to theroadway surface without over-dispensing or under-dispensing the materialbeing deposited.

A proximity sensor can be utilized to control the synchronized-widthmaterial spreader system on the vehicle 40. The proximity sensors of anyknown type, such as radar or optical, may be ground based, sub-surfacebased, aerial based, or vehicle mounted, and can be used from anylocation, either stationary or truck mounted, to detect the presence ofthe subject vehicle, or of an oncoming, approaching, or passing vehicleor stationary obstacle, and act through operable connection to thecontrol system to modify the spread width and/or proportionality of thevarious materials. GPS signals may also be used in order to preciselyfix the location of the vehicle 40 and compare previously storedenvironmental condition data at the vehicle's location with currentconditions as is described more fully below.

The proximity sensor, if mounted on the truck, can be positioned at avariety of locations, most notably the front and rear of the vehicle, tosense the presence of oncoming and passing vehicles. As noted above, theproximity sensor or signal receiver can also be positioned in or on theground, in the air or other location remote from the truck to sendsignals to the truck with the same result.

In addition, the global positioning system (GPS) receiver signal can beused as an input to the automatic control of the material spread widthas well as for adjusting various material types and amounts, etc. beingapplied through the use of the control system. For instance, if thecourse on which the truck 40 is traveling has been determined and mappedin GIS format and stored in a computer database, for the optimal spreadwidths and material proportionality at different geographical featuresor locations, such as, without limitation, bridges and locations ofdiffering road widths, then the control system can be triggered by thereal-time GPS readings to adjust the spread width to the known optimaldimensions, deposit desired material types and amounts, etc at theappropriate locations.

While the synchronized-width material spreader 42 is described herein inuse on a spreader system having a different dispensing system for eachof the two different materials, the synchronized-width material spreadersystem can also be used and implemented with a spreader having a commonlaunching mechanism, which is capable of differential launching speedsbased on differing characteristics of the multiple materials so thatboth or all materials travel the desired distance. In this case,differential distances (absolute or percentages) would be selectedaccording to the characteristics of the materials and the optimaldispensed mixture rates. Spreader system 42 can also be used inspreaders dispensing several different materials. Different materialswill travel different distances with the same throwing power. Therefore,a calibration of the launching mechanism coupled with the variousmaterials to be utilized will help increase the accuracy of the spreadwidth.

As another example where the ratio of spread widths is 1.5:1 between,for instance, but not limited to, granular and liquid materials, thegranular (trigger) material would be spread at a distance of 9 feet, andthe liquid would be spread at a distance of 6 feet. If the controlsystem is actuated to reduce the spread width of the granular materialto 6 feet, the liquid spread width would automatically be reduced to 4feet to maintain the ratio to 1.5:1 between the granular and liquidspread widths. Alternatively, the spreader control system could allowthe ratios to be reversed or adjusted as desired by the operator, otherperson, or automatically.

Referring to FIG. 3, a first embodiment of a control box 70 for use withthe synchronized-width material spreader system 42 shown in FIGS. 1 and2 is shown. The control box 70 can be positioned adjacent the operatorin the truck or integrated into the dashboard of the vehicle, and can beused by the operator to simply control the material or materials beingdispensed from the vehicle, either manually or automatically.Alternatively, the control box could be at a position remote from thedriver, or even the truck, to operate a slave unit and could becontrolled by a third party or controller device, thus requiring thedriver to simply drive, while the material dispensing system 42 iscontrolled by a third party or remote computer via the slave unitmounted in the vehicle.

The first and second embodiments of the invention, shown in FIGS. 1 and2, contemplate controlling two materials a granular material 44 and aliquid material 57, with the granular and liquid systems being analogousto those previously explained and described above. The same or a similarsystem, as described herein, could also be used to control more than twomaterials, whether they be liquids or granular materials and in anycombination. The control box 70 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3contains a plurality of toggle switches 72, 74, 76, 78. and 92 as wellas a plurality of fine-adjustment knobs 86, 88, and 90, each having aspecific use. Master switch 72 is the master switch for the liquidspreading system. When the master switch 72 for the liquid spreadingsystem is turned on, the liquid material control switches 74, 76 and 78are enabled and can be operated. The toggle switch 74 is an on/offactuation switch device for controlling the liquid flowing through theleft end 60 of the liquid spray bar 56, which is controlled by anassociated left liquid valve 80 (shown schematically in FIG. 8). Onceactivated, the valve 80 could be proportionately controlled by thecontrol box 70, as described further below. Switch 76 is an on/offtoggle switch similar to switch 74, but instead is used to actuate theflow of liquid material through the center portion 58 of the liquidspray bar 56, and controls the center liquid valve 82 in the liquiddispensation system (see FIG. 8). Once activated, the valve 82 can beproportionately controlled by the control box 70. The switch 78 is anon/off toggle switch for actuating the flow of liquid through the rightportion 62 of the liquid spray bar 56, and controls the right liquidvalve 84 (see FIG. 8). Once activated, the valve 84 could beproportionately controlled by the control box 70. The position of theknob 86 controls the speed of rotation of the disk 46 which spreads thegranular material 44 and is graduated between zero and 100% dry materialspread-width. The control knob 88 controls the rate of flow of liquidthrough the liquid dispensing system (for instance, in gallons per lanemile). The control knob 90 controls the rate of granular material beingdispensed through the granular dispensing system (for instance pounds ofmaterial per lane mile). The ON/OFF master switch 92 controls the on/offstatus of the entire spreader system. The visual display screen 94 isused to indicate to the operator what the settings are.

In using the first embodiment of the control box as disclosed in FIG. 3,the granular material 44 is the trigger material from which the systemtriggers the liquid spread-width. The operator first turns on thespreader system by toggling the ON/OFF master switch 92 to ON. Theoperator then sets the rate of granular disbursement and the rate ofliquid disbursement using the appropriate control knobs 88, 90,respectively. At this point, the operator is only engaging thedispensing system for dispensation of liquid material to the roadsurface. The switches 74, 76 and 78 are appropriately activated by theoperator as desired. As shown in FIG. 3, all three switches are in theON position. This results in liquid 57 being dispensed from the entirespray bar 56 through the left, center and right portions.

In operation, where the first embodiment of the control box shown inFIG. 3 is used, and the granular material 44 is considered as thetrigger material off of which the spread width of the slave liquidmaterial 57 is controlled, the operator modifies the width of thegranular spread by adjusting the control knob K. Adjusting the K controlknob causes a signal to be sent through the electrical lines to the diskvalve 150 to allow more hydraulic fluid to flow through the motor 144for the disk 46. Adjusting the granular knob 90 in turn causes a signalto be sent through the electrical lines to the auger valve 148 andallows more or less hydraulic fluid to flow through the motor 142 forthe auger thus changing the rate at which the granular material is fedto the disk 46. This in turn changes the speed at which a disk spins,thus changing the granular spread width. As discussed, the change ingranular width using the K control knob will be sensed and cause achange in liquid spray width.

Control knob 86 is shown positioned at approximately 30% of the maximumdisk speed, to control the granular material spread-width. In thissituation, both granular 44 and pre-wetting liquid 57 materials arebeing spread by the disk 46, and the liquid material being spread by thespray bar. In the event that control knob 86 is rotated to 75% ofmaximum granular spread-width, software internal to the control box 70controls the increase in disk 46 spinning speed, causing the granularmaterial 44 to be spread to a greater width. Software internal to Box 70simultaneously senses the selected increase in the granular spread-widthand accordingly sends sufficient liquid material to the center, left andright spray bar portions 58, 60 and 62 to match the new width of thegranular material being disbursed by the disk 46.

The nozzles 64 in the spray bar 56 can also be adjusted accordingly bythe software controller to adjust their spread-widths appropriately. Theoperator can also shut down the left, right or center portions of thespray bar 56 and keep them from dispensing liquid 57 there through byoperating the toggle switches 74, 76 or 78, respectively, manually. Thiswould be effective for temporarily turning off, for instance, the liquiddisbursement from the left spray bar portion 60 to allow an oncomingvehicle to pass the vehicle 40. In this example, if the liquid was thetrigger material, this action would also typically automatically adjustthe width of the nth material.

Turning now to FIG. 4, with the granular material 44 as the triggermaterial, a second embodiment of the control box 91 is disclosed. Thecontrol knob 93 controls the width of spread of any and all materialswhich are enabled. The Inhibit right control knob 95 will inhibit anyenabled material from being spread to the right side of the carrierregardless of the spread-width selected on control knob 93. The controlknob 98 controls the rate of liquid disbursement through the spray bar56 to the road surface (for instance gallons per lane mile). The controlknob 100 controls the rate of granular material 44 disbursement to theroad surface (for instance pounds per lane mile). The granular materialdispensing means and the liquid material dispensing means are controlledby each appropriate switch: center 102, 104; left 106, 108; and right110, 112 on the control box 91. These switches allow the operator toselectively turn on and off as desired the spread of material in any ofthese regions.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a third embodiment of control box 114 isdisclosed. The third embodiment of the control box includes a controlknob 116 which controls the width of spread of any enabled materials,and an Inhibit Left control knob 118 and Inhibit Right control knob 120,a left 122, center 124 and right 126 liquid on/off toggle switch, and asingle granular on/off toggle switch 128. A master control switch 130allows the operator to turn the dispensing system on for granularmaterial spreading only, liquid material spreading only, or acombination of granular and liquid material spreading.

As an example of the general operation of the synchronized-widthmaterial spreader, FIG. 6 discloses an increase in the spread-width ofthe liquid disbursement triggered by the increase of the granularspread-width. The synchronized-width material spreader system thuscauses the liquid spread-width to automatically control the width of thegranular spread-width. In FIG. 6A, the granular material is shown asbeing spread to a width of approximately eight feet by the spread disk,and the liquid is being spread to a width of approximately eight feet bythe center portion of the liquid spray bar. In FIG. 6B the operatorincreases the granular material spread-width to 16 feet by appropriatelymodifying the K control knob setting, for instance in the firstembodiment of the control box 70. The synchronized-width materialspreader system 42, through the various sensing means employed therein,senses the increase in the spread-width of the granular material, andautomatically increases the spread-width of the liquid material throughthe spray bar portions, in this instance by actuating the left and rightportions of the liquid spray bar, which causes the liquid spread-widthto match the granular spread width (FIG. 6C).

In FIG. 7, a decrease in the spread-width of the granular material, astriggered by the decrease in spread-width of the liquid material isshown. In FIG. 7A the spread-width of both the granular and liquidmaterial is set at approximately 20 feet. The operator then actuates thecontrol of the liquid disbursement to reduce the liquid spread-width toapproximately eight feet without use of the side extension nozzles asshown in FIG. 7b. (FIG. 7b is shown without the granular materialdistribution illustrated for clarity). The synchronized-width materialspreader system, through the various sensor means employed thereinaccordingly reduces the spread-width of the granular material by, forinstance, reducing the spin speed of the disk (FIG. 7c).

The width and direction of material spread off of a spinning disk 46 canbe controlled by the point of impact of the granular material 44 as itstrikes the disk 46. As is well known, if the disk 46 is moved withrespect to the dispensing chute, or the chute is moved with respect tothe spinning disk 46 so that the impact point is changed radially and/orcircumferentially around the disk, the desired flow width and directioncan be controlled.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a schematic diagram of the hydraulic fluid,liquid material and electrical control system is disclosed. Thehydraulic system is a closed-loop system and comprises a hydraulic fluidreservoir 132 which provides a source for the hydraulic fluid 134 in thesystem and a repository for the return hydraulic fluid. The hydraulicfluid system controls the power setting on the various hydraulicallydriven liquid pumps 136, 138 and 140, which control the amount of fluidflow through the nozzles as ultimately controlled by the operatorthrough the control box. The hydraulic system also controls the powersetting of the motor for the auger 142 which drives the auger 50 to movethe granular material 44 to the disk 46, as well as the motor 144driving the disk, which controls the spin speed of the disk, whichultimately controls the spread-width of the granular material 44. Thehydraulic fluid flows through the various lines under pressure generatedby the pump 146 and flows through the various liquid pumps as necessary,and recirculates to the hydraulic tank reservoir 132. The hydraulicfluid flows through the various lines under the pressure of the pump 146to the motor for the auger 142 and the motor 144 for the disk, asdetermined by the settings on the control box 70. The hydraulic fluidalso flows through the valves 148, 150 for the auger motor and the diskmotor, respectively, the values being controlled by the control box 70settings, and recirculates through a return line to the hydraulicreservoir 132.

The liquid material system includes a liquid storage reservoir 152,which stores the liquid for dispensing through the spray bar, aplurality of liquid lines connected from the storage reservoir 152 tocommunicate and be acted upon by the appropriate pump, such as LP,,through a dedicated liquid valve 84 in line with the liquid material 57,at which point the liquid is diverted either back to the liquid storagereservoir, or to the liquid nozzle 158. Each of the left, center andright portions of the liquid spray bar have an associated pump, valve,and nozzle arranged as previously described. Alternatively, there couldjust be one liquid pump in the system. With only one pump in the system,appropriately controlled valves and sensors would provide feedback tocontrol the liquid pump output volume to compensate for changes indemand based on user controlled valve operations and corresponding widthof spread.

The electrical system is controlled by the control box (for instance,box 70) and communicates to the liquid valves for the left, center andright portions of the liquid spray bar, the liquid pumps 140, 138, and136 associated with the left, center and right liquid spray bar portions(if separate pumps are provided), the valve 148 for the auger and thevalve 150 for the disk, which control the hydraulic fluid flow to themotor auger 142 and the motor disk 144, respectively. The motor auger MAdrives the auger to move the granular material to the spinning disk, themotor MD drives the spinning disk 46.

The optional flow meter 162 is designed to feed information regardingdisk speed to a controller 160 which controls the liquid spray width.The liquid spray width is preferably varied by controller 160 as aresult of sensing more or less hydraulic fluid flow from the pump 146 tothe granular launching device for the trigger material, such as thespinner disk 46.

The software of the synchronized width material spreader system 42senses the increase in spread width of the granular material 44 andsends the appropriate signal to the liquid valves and liquid pumps foreach of the right center and left portions of the liquid boom 56 andallows more hydraulic fluid to drive the liquid pumps to pump the fluidthrough the boom at a higher pressure. The liquid valves, such as LV-R,also are opened or adjusted accordingly to allow the liquid to flow atthe appropriate rate and proportion through the valve and to the nozzleto accordingly increase the width of spread of the liquid dispensing.The liquid valves control the amount of liquid material 57 that flowsback to the liquid storage reservoir 132 or to the nozzles on the spraybar 56, and when in combination with the increased pressure generated bythe liquid pump can cause the liquid material to be sprayed over agreater width. The nozzles could also be adjustable to provide even afiner control of the liquid material spread-width. Reducing thespread-width of the liquid material as triggered by the granularmaterial spread-width operates analogously. Of course, the spread-widthof the granular material can be controlled as a slave with a triggerbeing the spread-width of the liquid material.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a block diagram of a remote surfacecondition sensing and control apparatus in a third embodiment of theinvention is shown for providing real time surface condition informationto the vehicle operator and to the on board computer 216 utilized toautomatically control the material spread on the vehicle roadwaysurface. This third embodiment is a completely automatic sensing andmaterial application apparatus 200 which is mounted on the vehicle 40.The local sensing portion is shown in FIG. 9. The control and remotecomponent connections are shown in FIG. 10. The sensing portion of thesystem 200 includes at least one electromagnetic radiation transceiver202 which emits a ultra-wide band (UWB) impulse radar. A very shortelectromagnetic (EMR) impulse is propagated from transceiver 202 andechoes that reflect from the road surface 204 and from material on theroad surface are evaluated. These reflected signals are set to a depthprocessor 206, a density processor 208, and at least a chemicalcomposition processor 210. The EMR reflected pulse may be utilizeddirectly by the depth processor 206 to determine the depth of anysurface layer of material on the roadway. However, the densityprocessor, and composition processors 208 and 210 rely also on inputfrom a database 212 to determine, by comparison to peak height or phaseshift of the reflected signal versus the incident signal, an outputwhich is unique to a particular chemical composition and density.Comparing these outputs to the database content produces or can resultin quantitative density and composition information 214 which is, inturn, fed to computer 216 along with depth information 218.

The depth 218 is processed in the computer 216 to provide a display 220with information necessary to determine what additional chemicals needto be deposited on the road surface in order to minimize the hazardousconditions. In addition, the computer 216 may provide a direct output toa control device for automatically dispensing the appropriate amounts ofchemicals to the road surface as the vehicle drives over the roadsurface.

An infrared transceiver 222 is also mounted on the vehicle and isdirected toward the road surface. The transceiver 222 provides an outputto a road temperature processor 224 which in turn also feeds an outputto the computer 216 indicative of the actual road surface temperature.

The apparatus 200, in accordance with the third embodiment of thepresent invention, may be compactly designed for unitary installation inthe cab of a road maintenance vehicle, such as a salt truck, with thedisplay 220 and an input device 226 such as a keyboard integrated intothe dashboard of the vehicle. The driver can then input to the computer216 desire deicing concentrations or other desired input information.The computer 216 then can compare the actual composition and status ofthe material already on the road and preferably display this informationfor the operator to use in manually controlling application of chemicalsand/or automatically control the dispensation of additional chemicals tothe road surface. The automatic dispensing of chemicals may beautomatically determined by the computer from a database ofpredetermined criteria for that location or calculated based on weatherconditions, sensed road surface conditions, and the desired road surfaceconditions. The computer 216 also provides a running historical datainput to the database 212 to track chemical application data at theparticular location, whether the application be manual or automaticallyaccomplished.

As is shown in FIG. 10, the computer 216 of the apparatus 200 also maybe connected through a communication interface device such as a radiomodem 230 to a remote computer/processor station 232. The apparatuspreferably includes an on board Global Positioning System (GPS) receiveror a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) receiver 234 whichprovides accurate spacial position information for the vehicle 40 to thecomputer 216. The database 212 preferably includes a GeographicalInformation System (GIS) format database for the region in which thevehicle 40 is being operated. Together with the GPS coordinateinformation from the receiver 234 and the GIS database information inthe database 212, the computer 216 constantly tracks the vehicle'sposition and stores sensed current road conditions as above described,in the database 212. The computer 216 then compares the position withhistorical weather conditions and road surface conditions that haveoccurred at the vehicle's location which are stored in GIS format in thedatabase 212. This position, past and current road condition informationare then preferably compared with near term weather information relayedby the remote station 232, or provided directly by an on board weatherdata receiver, and balanced against the preprogrammed or predetermineddesired requirements for the vehicle's location. The resultingdifference information is then translated to compensatory surfaceapplication composition and distribution commands fed to the spreadersystem 42. The information is continually updated based on the mostrecent data as the vehicle 40 travels along its route.

The remote station 232 may be a stationary command/control station ormay actually be one or more mobile stations connected via communicationlinks in a network of other similar computers mounted in other servicevehicles. The remote station 232, if stationary, may include a DGPSreceiver 236 to provide reference GPS data signals to the computer 216for very accurate DGPS position determinations. In addition, the remotestation 232 and/or computer 216 may receive weather forecast datareceived from other sources such as the National Weather Service orprivate forecasting service via receiver 238. This forecast informationmay be correlated and translated to the particular positionalcoordinates of the vehicle 40 in order to predict near term weatherconditions and transmit this information to the computer 216 and alsopredict near term trouble spots in other locations. The computer 216 orremote computer 232 may then use this weather information in conjunctionwith a database or lookup table of action categories to adjust theapplication of chemicals to the road based on the current or predictedimpending conditions in addition to application adjustments for actualreal time road conditions as above described. The weather informationmay also be used to alert other vehicles and locations as to adverseconditions. The computer 216 preferably provides control functions whichinclude automated control of the chemical spreader system 42 as has beendescribed with reference to embodiments 1 and 2 above except that theproportioning controls are preferably automatically implemented ratherthan relying on the operator to manipulate the knobs and switches.

In addition, the computer 216 may also automatically control operationof a snow plow 240 mounted on the vehicle 40. For example, a snow plow240, shown mounted on a vehicle 40 in a schematic plan view in FIG. 11,and in a side view in FIG. 12, may be provided that has at least onemovable side discharge blocking plate 242 which is power operated,either hydraulically, electrically, or pneumatically, to raise theblocking plate 242 to permit side discharge of snow or lowered toprevent discharge of snow as the vehicle 40 passes a feature such as aresidential driveway. The plow 240 may also be fitted with at least oneextensible blade 244, preferably on the opposite end of the plow 240from that carrying the blocking plate 242 which can be automaticallyextended or retracted in width via a hydraulic cylinder 246 dependingupon the lane width at a particular location. The extensible blade 244may be horizontally translated back and forth to extend the blade or itmay be pivotally connected to the plow 240 and rotated to extend theplow path. The plow 240 may be pivoted left or right or raised andlowered by multiple cylinders 247.

The remote computer 232 may be connected to other sources of data suchas other computers via a data transfer device 252. Also, to providelocal input, a keyboard 254 or other input device is preferablyconnected to the remote computer 232. Similarly a display 256 would beprovided for the operator of the remote computer 232.

Since the position of driveways, intersections, lane widths,obstructions, etc. can be included in the GIS database stored in thecomputer 212, and the GPS receiver can provide accurate positioninformation for the vehicle 40, the computer 216 can be easilyprogrammed to lower the discharge blocking plates as the vehicle passesa driveway or extend or retract the blade or change its configuration asappropriate for the lane width on a particular stretch of roadway.Alternatively, during a first pass of the vehicle 40 past a driveway,the blade may be manually extended or retracted, or blocking plateslowered and raised, and the position information sensed and fed back tothe database 212 so that the computer 216 can "learn" or cause theseactions to automatically be performed during future passes.

The fluid control system for the plow 240 is conventional in design. Ittypically will include solenoid actuated four way valves that supply andrelieve hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to and from the actuatingcylinders 248 for the side blocking plates 242 and the cylinder 246 forthe extensible blade 244 in accordance with manual control signals fromthe operator or automatic signals from the computer 216.

Position markers, such as a magnetic strip, may be provided along theroadway and a local position sensor 250 such as a magnetic pickup may bemounted on the vehicle 40 to provide local sensing input for thedriveway or other obstacle position to trigger movement of the blockingplates 242 or changes in the blade width or reposition the blade toavoid obstacles. These local position markers and corresponding localposition sensors 250 may also be used to temporarily change the spreaderdischarge configuration as a driveway or obstacle is passed, rather thanutilizing GPS data. It should be understood that GPS data and GIS datamay be combined with use of local markers and local position sensors ina variety of combinations. For example, the use of local positionmarkers and vehicle mounted sensors 250 may be particularlyadvantageously used during road construction activities to automaticallyoverride information provided by the GPS and GIS data. The computer 216may be programmed to utilize the GPS and GIS data unless superseded bytrigger of the local sensor 250 or superseding manual control by theoperator.

Further, the computer 216 is preferably programmed utilizing well knowndecision making software techniques to compare the stored historicalsurface condition data and records of any remedial action previouslytaken during previous passes at the particular location, with currentenvironmental forecast information, current road surface conditioninformation, and past site specific environmental forecast data in orderto predict present and future conditions at the current location. Thisprocess can be further enhanced by tracking on board the on boardmaterial contents and dispensing rates in order to predict when or ifthe truck 40 or an additional truck should return to the particularlocation. This information could then be relayed to the stationaryremote location 232 or to another vehicle in the network (if the truckcomputers are so arranged) to forecast future service schedules.

In another, more localized application, the computer 216 can comparecurrent road conditions through use of any of the sensing systemsdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,619,193 and as shown in FIG. 9 along withon board monitoring of the spreader capabilities, the fluid materials onhand, the GPS signals, and weather information received from the remotecomputer 232 and continually provide the operator with direction as towhether to retrace his route to make additional applications to theroadway. This automated system can thus optimize application of granularand liquid conditioning materials throughout an adverse weather patternor storm and tailor the application based on past actions and currentsurface conditions. For example, in spots where unusual winds areencountered or drifting occurs, additional material applications may berequired. These areas are generally predictable such that the database212 will reflect these historical conditions therefore making theautomatic control apparatus and system of the present inventionparticularly useful in consistently treating road surfaces in an optimummanner.

Finally, actual surface conditions and observations may also be inputtedto the computer 216 via the keyboard 226 or other input device in thosecircumstances that are not predicted or need correction. An example ofthis situation might be where the traffic patterns at a particularlocation or along a particular route differ at different times. If thetraffic is heavy, as during rush hour, more mixing on the surface of theapplied chemicals and (granular materials takes place and therefore adifferent application mixture might be more appropriate than thecomputer generated amounts and proportions. If the historical data atthis location involved non rush hour circumstances, the predictedrequirements may need to be corrected by the operator.

The apparatus and system in accordance with the present invention hasbeen described with reference to particular embodiments thereof. Theseembodiments are shown by way of examples and not by way of limitation.There are many changes, alternatives, variations, and modifications tothese embodiments that will be readily apparent to those skilled in theart. For example, additional sensors may be provided to the computer 216in order to provide more up to date local information. For example, awind speed and direction sensor, dew point indicator and/or temperaturesensor may be provided on the vehicle 40 which the computer 216 can useto modify the weather data provided by the remote computer 232 in orderto tailor application of materials more exactly to local conditions andrequirements. Accordingly, it is intended that all such alterations andvariations and modifications to the embodiments be included within thescope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Allpatents, patent applications, and other printed publications referred toherein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A synchronized-width fluid material spreadingsystem carried by a vehicle carrying at least a triggering fluidmaterial capable of being applied to a vehicle travel surface and atleast one slave fluid material carried on said vehicle capable of beingapplied to said vehicle travel surface, said system comprising:atriggering fluid material application device supported on said vehicleand communicating with said triggering fluid material; at least oneslave fluid material application device supported on said vehiclecommunicating with said slave fluid material for application of saidslave fluid material to said vehicle travel surface; a controllercoupled to said triggering fluid application device and said slave fluidapplication device said controller having at least one user actuatablecontrol thereon for turning on said triggering and slave fluid materialapplication devices and controlling a spread width of said slavematerial applied in response to a spread width application of saidtriggering fluid material on said vehicle travel surface, and a computerand a database connected to said computer for tracking and recordingparameters indicative of the application rates of said triggering andslave materials to said vehicle travel surface, and a global positioningsystem receiver connected to said computer for providing locationinformation, said computer correlating said application parameters to aposition of said vehicle and recording said correlated parameters insaid database.
 2. The system according to claim 1 further comprisinganother database connected to said computer providing predeterminedproportioning settings for said proportional controller related tospecific geographical locations on said vehicle travel surface.
 3. Atravel surface conditioning vehicle comprising:a positionable plowmounted on and carried by the vehicle operable between a raised positionand a lowered position proximate a vehicle travel surface via controlslocated in a cab of said vehicle; at least a triggering fluid materialcarried by the vehicle capable of being selectively applied to saidvehicle travel surface; a triggering fluid material application devicemounted on said vehicle and communicating with said triggering fluidmaterial; and a fluid material spreading system for application of saidtriggering fluid material to said vehicle travel surface in conjunctionwith positioning of said plow, said system including a controllercoupled to said plow controls and said triggering fluid applicationdevice, said controller having at least one user actuatable controlthereon for selectively turning on said triggering material applicationdevice and controlling a spread width of application of at least saidtriggering material to said vehicle travel surface in response tolowering said plow to said vehicle travel surface.
 4. The vehicleaccording to claim 3 wherein said fluid material spreading systemfurther comprises a slave material carried on said vehicle and a slavematerial application device mounted on said vehicle for distributingsaid slave material to said vehicle travel surface.
 5. The vehicleaccording to claim 4 wherein said controller controls operation of saidslave material application device in response to actuation of saidtriggering material application device.
 6. The vehicle according toclaim 3 further comprising a computer having a database connected tosaid plow controller and to said spreader controller for automaticallycontrolling application of said triggering material and positioning saidplow according to a location of said vehicle.
 7. The vehicle accordingto claim 6 wherein said material spreading system further comprises aslave material carried in a slave material container on said vehicle anda slave material application device coupled to said controller mountedon said vehicle.
 8. The vehicle according to claim 7 wherein saidcontroller operates said slave material application device in responseto actuation of said triggering material application device.
 9. Thevehicle according to claim 6 further comprising a Global PositioningSystem Receiver on said vehicle connected to said computer to providelocation information to said computer.
 10. The vehicle according toclaim 9 wherein said plow further comprises a remotely operable sidedischarge blocking plate operably connected to said computer forautomatically positioning said blocking plate in response to locationinformation provided to said computer by said Global Positioning Systemreceiver.
 11. A synchronized-width fluid material spreading systemcarried by a vehicle carrying a positionable plow, at least a triggeringfluid material capable of being applied to a vehicle travel surface andat least one slave fluid material carried on said vehicle capable ofbeing applied to said vehicle travel surface, said system comprising:acomputer having a database, said computer being connected to saidpositionable plow and to a Global Positioning System receiver, saidcomputer automatically positioning said plow in response to vehicleposition at predetermined locations stored in said database; atriggering fluid material application device supported on said vehicleand communicating with said triggering fluid material; at least oneslave fluid material application device supported on said vehiclecommunicating with said slave fluid material, and a controller coupledto said computer and to said triggering fluid application device andsaid slave fluid application device, said controller having at least oneuser actuatable control thereon for turning on said triggering and slavefluid material application devices and automatically controlling a rateof application and width of application of said slave material inresponse to application of said triggering fluid material on saidvehicle travel service.
 12. The system according to claim 11 whereinsaid computer automatically controls application of said triggeringmaterial to said vehicle surface.
 13. The system according to claim 12further comprising a geographical information system database connectedto said computer for receiving and providing material applicationcriteria from and to said computer.
 14. The system according to claim 13wherein said plow includes a discharge blocking plate that is operableunder computer control, said blocking plate being lowered to blockdischarge from said plow as said vehicle passes a predetermined locationas determined from said Global positioning system receiver and saidgeographical information system database.
 15. The system according toclaim 14 wherein said computer automatically controls application ofsaid triggering and slave materials to said travel surface in responseto discharge blocking plate position.
 16. The system according to claim15 wherein spread widths of each said triggering and slave materials isadjusted in response to said discharge blocking plate being lowered. 17.The system according to claim 16 wherein said plow further comprises anextensible extension controllable from said computer for changing bladewidth automatically in accordance with predetermined location criteria.18. A travel surface conditioning vehicle comprisinga positionable plowmounted on and carried by the vehicle operable between a raised positionand a lowered position proximate a vehicle travel surface via controlslocated in a cab of said vehicle; at least a triggering fluid materialcarried by the vehicle capable of being selectively applied to saidvehicle travel surface; a triggering fluid material application devicemounted on said vehicle and communicating with said triggering fluidmaterial; and a fluid material spreading system for application of saidtriggering fluid material to said vehicle travel surface in conjunctionwith positioning of said plow, said system including a controllercoupled to said plow controls and said triggering fluid applicationdevice, said controller having at least one user actuatable controlthereon for selectively turning on said triggering material applicationdevice and automatically controlling the lowering of said plow to saidvehicle travel surface in response to application of at least saidtriggering material to said vehicle travel surface.
 19. The vehicleaccording to claim 18 wherein said fluid material spreading systemfurther comprises a slave material carried on said vehicle and a slavematerial application device mounted on said vehicle for distributingsaid slave material to said vehicle travel surface.
 20. The vehicleaccording to claim 19 wherein said controller controls operation of saidslave material application device in response to actuation of saidtriggering material application device.
 21. The vehicle according toclaim 18 further comprising a computer having a database connected tosaid plow controller and to said spreader controller for automaticallycontrolling application of said triggering material and positioning saidplow according to a location of said vehicle.
 22. The vehicle accordingto claim 21 wherein said material spreading system further comprises aslave material carried in a slave material container on said vehicle anda slave material application device coupled to said controller mountedon said vehicle.
 23. The vehicle according to claim 22 wherein saidcontroller operates said slave material application device in responseto actuation of said triggering material application device.
 24. Thevehicle according to claim 21 further comprising a Global PositioningSystem Receiver on said vehicle connected to said computer to providelocation information to said computer.
 25. The vehicle according toclaim 24 wherein said plow further comprises a remotely operable sidedischarge blocking plate operably connected to said computer forautomatically positioning said blocking plate in response to locationinformation provided to said computer by said Global Positioning Systemreceiver.